[pas.sion] n [ME, fr. OF, fr. LL passion-, passio suffering, being acted upon, fr. L pati to suffer--more at patient] (13c) 1 often cap a: the sufferings of Christ between the night of the Last Supper and his death b: an oratorio based on a gospel narrative of the Passion
2. obs: suffering
3: the state or capacity of being acted on by external agents or forces
4. a (1): emotion "his ruling ~ is greed" (2) pl: the emotions as distinguished from reason b: intense, driving, or overmastering feeling or conviction c: an outbreak of anger
5. a: ardent affection: love b: a strong liking or desire for or devotion to some activity, object, or concept c: sexual desire d: an object of desire or deep interest -- pas.sion.less adj syn passion, fervor, ardor, enthusiasm, zeal mean intense emotion compelling action. passion applies to an emotion that is deeply stirring or ungovernable "was a slave to his passions". fervor implies a warm and steady emotion "read the poem aloud with great fervor". ardor suggests warm and excited feeling likely to be fitful or short-lived "the ardor of their honeymoon soon faded". enthusiasm applies to lively or eager interest in or admiration for a proposal, cause, or activity "never showed much enthusiasm for sports". zeal implies energetic and unflagging pursuit of an aim or devotion to a cause "preaches with the zeal of the converted". syn see in addition feeling